HR Generalist I - University of Minnesota : Job Details
HR Generalist I
University of MinnesotaJob Location : Cass Lake,MN, USA
By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service, the Human Resources (HR) team at The Hormel Institute aims to be trusted advisors and partners to all stakeholders, ensuring the organization's long-term success and sustainability. The responsibilities of the HR department are multifaceted and encompass various functions aimed at managing its most valuable asset. The HR team is actively responsible for several core functions including: compliance with UMN policies, employment-based visas, acting as a liaison with other OHR and UMN units, talent acquisition, performance management, talent development, payroll, contract advising and interpretation, employee and labor relations, safety and compliance, employee engagement, and serving as both a key business partner and consultant. The HR team at The Hormel Institute partners with leaders in attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce that drives success and innovation. The HR Generalist is responsible for overseeing various HR functions, including recruitment, performance management, data integrity, and compliance with related employment policies and procedures. This role requires the ability to manage multiple HR processes, ensuring a positive workplace environment, and addressing employee concerns while aligning HR strategies with business objectives. The HR Generalist also supports the development and implementation of HR policies. Working under the direction of the HR Manager and alongside other HR team members, this position requires strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to foster an inclusive and productive workplace environment. Key Duties- Serve as the primary time and absence administrator. - Oversee all payroll processing procedures. - Monitor leave of absence requests and return to work plans. - Manage all HRMS data entry and ensure overall data integrity. - Maintain Person of Interest accounts, records, and access. - Track appointment dates for temporary, casual, and student employees. - Provide general HR support across all staff and faculty positions. - Assist in development of compliant and inclusive HR policies and processes. - Serve as a backup to other HR team members. - Actively participate in learning and development opportunities, workshops, and training to stay current on policies and legal requirements. Focus of Job Responsibilities General Human Resources Support - 40% - Schedule and take notes during HR Team meetings. Create job aides and templates to support staff and faculty in performing various tasks or following internal processes (i.e. time reporting, accessing HR-related systems, submitting requests, etc.). - Participate in program and administrative planning as well as assist in the execution of HR standard operating procedures. - Respond to general HR inquiries and requests. - Evaluate inquiries and concerns and coordinate with the HR Manager to problem-solve employee relations issues related to governing rules and contracts. - Update HR projects and timelines using our project management tool. - Monitor Safety of Minors compliance including background checks and training requirements. - Maintain Person of Interest (POI) accounts. - Partner with supervisors, HR Manager, and Community Outreach & Education team on temporary and student appointments, ensuring proper notice is given and data is updated. - Partner with supervisors, HR Manager, and Leave Administration Team on leave of absences and return to work plans to ensure alignment and accuracy. Time and Absence Administration - 25% - Serve as the primary contact as the Time and Absence Administrator. - Audit bi-weekly payroll for accuracy and managerial approval. - Audit abstract and pre-confirmation reports to ensure accuracy. - Monitor deadlines for entry and approvals. - Input and monitor entries for off-cycle payments, retro payments, augmentations, and lump sum payments. - Work in collaboration with Central Payroll and the HR Manager to ensure alignment with processes and policies. - Create communications related to payroll updates/changes with support from the HR Manager. - Monitor compliance with labor-represented probations, step increases, stability payments, etc. according to their respective contracts with guidance from the HR Manager. - Resolve payroll discrepancies such as advising employees of under/over payments and initiating collection, or reconciliation as needed. Human Resource Management System Administration - 15% - Ensure overall data integrity in PeopleSoft by entering, updating, and auditing appointment data and detailing all HR processes promptly (i.e., hires, transfers, leaves, salary increases, retro payments, contract renewals, terminations, etc.). - Enter and maintain job information of new, current, and terminated employees. - Process daily HRMS entries while guaranteeing adherence to applicable HR-related laws and University policies and procedures. Retain all relevant documentation. - Compile and present HRMS reports identified by management. - Audit weekly HRMS reports for accuracy and follow proper procedures to resolve discrepancies. - Problem-solve system and data issues. - Initiate and respond to inquiries concerning non-routine issues and identify potential approaches and solutions Employee Engagement, Immigration & DEI Support - 10% - Facilitate enrollment processing of SHBP insurance for new J-1 Research Scholars to cover the gap before employer insurance begins. - Assist Employee Engagement & Immigration Manager in administrative procedures related to employment-based visas and reporting requirements. - Partner with Employee Engagement & Immigration Manager and the HR Manager to track valid work authorization of employees on nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. - Proactively assist managing the reverification processes for employees with expiring work authorization. - Conduct periodic audits of I-9 forms and employment verification records to identify and rectify any discrepancies. - Provide support as needed for training, workshops, & presentations, including editing assistance with communication/PowerPoints, etc. Other Related Duties as Assigned - 10% The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a work with flexibility approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One. Flexible Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time. Qualifications Required Qualifications - BA/BS degree or a combination of education and/or professional work experience to equal at least four years. - Experience with HRMS systems. - Experience processing payroll for various employee groups/types. - Commitment to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity. Preferred Qualifications - Experience using PeopleSoft. - Experience with project management software. - Experience working successfully within a sophisticated, highly matrixed environment such as higher education, non-profit or the public sector. - Experience supporting HR in a unionized environment. - Knowledge of FMLA and leave of absence procedures. Skills - A highly effective team player, with the ability to also be independently effective. - Experience analyzing and solving complex situations and issues clearly, creatively, and critically. - Demonstrated clear and excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. - Demonstrated organizational skills, timeliness, accuracy, and attention to detail. - Ability to anticipate the needs of others and take appropriate action as needed. - Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust, as well as create and maintain strong relationships in a highly collaborative environment. About the Department The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research institution within the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office. Established in 1942, our mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture, specifically by understanding, treating, and controlling cancer and other chronic diseases. The Hormel Institute serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the local community, the State of Minnesota, and beyond. We are located in the uniquely diverse rural community of Austin, MN, conveniently only 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusive excellence, supportive employee practices, and encourages diversity of thought that drives innovation and creativity in our science. Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost